{"id":105712,"date":"2025-07-17T09:53:53","date_gmt":"2025-07-17T16:53:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.allclassical.org\/?p=105712"},"modified":"2025-09-23T12:13:02","modified_gmt":"2025-09-23T19:13:02","slug":"emily-cole-reflects-on-the-lark-ascending","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.allclassical.org\/emily-cole-reflects-on-the-lark-ascending\/","title":{"rendered":"Emily Cole Reflects on The Lark Ascending"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:40%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"660\" height=\"495\" src=\"https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Featured_EColeBlog-660x495.jpg\" alt=\"Featured image for blog post: Emily Coles Reflects on The Lark Ascending\" class=\"wp-image-105715\" srcset=\"https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Featured_EColeBlog-660x495.jpg 660w, https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Featured_EColeBlog-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Featured_EColeBlog-425x319.jpg 425w, https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Featured_EColeBlog-624x468.jpg 624w, https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Featured_EColeBlog.jpg 720w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Emily Cole.<\/em> <em>Photo by Frankie Tresser<\/em>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:60%\">\n<p>One half of All Classical Radio\u2019s 2024-2025 Artists in Residence, <strong>Emily Cole<\/strong>, takes us on a thrilling journey about the history and various interpretations of one of her favorite pieces of classical music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\"><em>He rises and begins to round, <\/em><br><em>He drops the silver chain of sound, <br>Of many links without a break, <\/em><br><em>In chirrup, whistle, slur and shake. <br>For singing till his heaven fills, <\/em><br><em>\u2018Tis love of earth that he instils, <br>And ever winging up and up, <\/em><br><em>Our valley is his golden cup<br>And he the wine which overflows <\/em><br><em>to lift us with him as he goes.<br>Till lost on his aerial rings<br>In light, and then the fancy sings<\/em><\/pre>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>These lines from George Meredith&#8217;s 1881 poem &#8220;The Lark Ascending&#8221; appear at the top of Ralph Vaughan Williams&#8217; draft score for his work of the same name. Written just before the outbreak of the First World War, <em>The Lark Ascending<\/em> features a solo violin evoking a lark&#8217;s flight over a vast pastoral landscape. Vaughan Williams began composing the piece in 1914 and completed it when he returned from serving in the military. The work received its premiere performance in 1920.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here&#8217;s one of my favorite renditions by pianist Benjamin Grosvenor and violinist Hyeyoon Park, recorded in 2022 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Vaughan Williams\u2019 birth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Benjamin Grosvenor &amp; Hyeyoon Park \u2013 The Lark Ascending (for Violin and Piano) \u2013 Vaughan Williams\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Lnv9tBSMDDk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The following year, Vaughan Williams reworked the accompaniment into the orchestration most commonly known by listeners today. In this version, the music colorfully comes alive; the lush string harmonies propel the violin along like a gentle breeze and wind instrument solos pop out like other creatures greeting the lark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here&#8217;s another one of my favorite recordings, featuring soloist Iona Brown with the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Vaughan Williams: The Lark Ascending\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Cyw6Ul2Rx3w?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><em>The Lark <\/em>has enjoyed tremendous popularity over the last century. It\u2019s often performed in concerts or played on the radio. Other composers and instrumentalists have also been inspired to create their own arrangements. The lyrical violin writing of the original lends itself especially well to wind instruments, particularly the flute. The wind band (of which Vaughan Williams was very fond) also provides the perfect palette for reworking the music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"The Lark Ascending (Arr. for Wind Band)\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/iMh0HBP14Fw?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"The Lark Ascending (Arr. for Flute and Orchestra)\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Lq9YMDbuYOM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The piece has also served as inspiration for classical dance, as seen here in beautiful choreography by the great Alvin Ailey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Ailey II in The Lark Ascending\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Cj2Hf-k1ag8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>My favorite reimagining is an arrangement for violin and chamber choir by British composer Paul Drayton, performed here by VOCES8 and soloist Jack Liebeck. With the solo violin part intact, Drayton fills out the accompaniment with both wordless lines and text from Meredith&#8217;s original poem. The effect is both unexpected and breathtakingly beautiful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"VOCES8 &amp; Jack Liebeck: The Lark Ascending - Ralph Vaughan Williams (arr. Paul Drayton)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/o4rt4-JIKbA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>As ubiquitous as <em>The Lark<\/em> is to many, it&#8217;s being discovered all the time by new listeners, as evidenced by the many delightful &#8220;reaction&#8221; videos to be found on YouTube! &#8220;Classical Music Reactions&#8221; feature a split screen so the viewer can follow along with the performance as the YouTuber listens in real time; occasionally these listeners are seasoned experts offering insights and critique, but usually they&#8217;re folks who are fairly new to classical music, making their unfiltered responses especially touching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here&#8217;s my favorite first-time reaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"What Freedom sounds like - Vaughan Williams - The Lark Ascending | Classical Music Reaction\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/9dC2H1sGK98?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>As YouTuber GIDI observes, the piece evokes freedom; in the lark&#8217;s flight over a pastoral scene, all seems at ease. For many British listeners, however, <em>The<\/em> <em>Lark<\/em> has taken on historic significance. Its countryside serenity is a stark contrast to the wartime agony just on the horizon. Whether or not Vaughan Williams intended such symbolism, the dichotomy of peace and strife held fast in the national imagination, and it&#8217;s become a significant part of Britain&#8217;s cultural history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here, at the opening of a Westminster Abbey service commemorating the one hundredth anniversary of WWI, the piece provided a moment for reflection and solace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Jennifer Pike - The Lark Ascending - Westminster Abbey\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/tgR5N0YJ_rk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Peacetime and war, nature and humankind, innocence and world-weariness&#8230;.Whatever the interpretation, Vaughan Williams&#8217; <em>The Lark Ascending<\/em> continues to resonate with modern listeners in its expansive and soulful expression of limitless wonder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:40%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"660\" height=\"495\" src=\"https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Featured_EColeBlog2-660x495.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-105733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Featured_EColeBlog2-660x495.jpg 660w, https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Featured_EColeBlog2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Featured_EColeBlog2-425x319.jpg 425w, https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Featured_EColeBlog2-624x468.jpg 624w, https:\/\/acp-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Featured_EColeBlog2.jpg 720w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Photo by Frankie Tresser.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:60%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">ABOUT<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Violinist Emily Cole is one half of All Classical Radio\u2019s 2024-2025 Artists in Residence, along with her husband James Shields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Emily has been a member of the Oregon Symphony since 2011. An avid chamber musician, Emily has performed with several Portland-area ensembles including 45th Parallel Universe, Third Angle, fEARnoMUSIC, and Northwest New Music, as well as with Chatter ABQ in New Mexico.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She received her B.M. from the University of Texas at Austin as a student of Brian Lewis and her M.M. from the University of North Texas as a student of Emanuel Borok.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.allclassical.org\/james-shields-emily-cole-artists-in-residence2425\/\">Learn more about Emily and James on the All Classical Arts Blog<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>One half of All Classical Radio\u2019s 2024-2025 Artists in Residence, Emily Cole, takes us on a thrilling journey about the history and various interpretations of one of her favorite pieces of classical music. He rises and begins to round, He drops the silver chain of sound, Of many links without a break, In chirrup, whistle, &#8230; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":117,"featured_media":105715,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4084],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-105712","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all-classical-radio"],"acf":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-05-21 04:16:22","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"category","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.allclassical.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/105712","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.allclassical.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.allclassical.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.allclassical.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/117"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.allclassical.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=105712"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.allclassical.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/105712\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":107625,"href":"https:\/\/www.allclassical.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/105712\/revisions\/107625"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.allclassical.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/105715"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.allclassical.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=105712"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.allclassical.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=105712"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.allclassical.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=105712"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}